HARTFORD, Connecticut — A member of the city council in Hartford has been accused of embezzling funds from a local church where he was employed.

Alexander Thomas, age 27, turned himself in to Hartford police on Tuesday. The church reported thefts to law enforcement in June, which were said to have occurred from April 2023 through April 2024.

Authorities discovered that Thomas misappropriated a church credit card by funneling money to a fictitious company, and subsequently directing those funds into his own personal bank accounts, according to Police Lieutenant Aaron Boisvert’s statement made on Wednesday.

Thomas, who is affiliated with the Working Families Party, was elected to the Hartford Court of Common Council in November of the previous year and commenced his term in January. His profile on the political party’s website identifies him as an associate pastor at the South Church in Hartford.

Attempts to obtain comments from Thomas and his legislative aide via email have been made but have not yet received a response.

His biography on the Working Families Party website notes that Thomas grew up in Hartford and has been actively involved in various city organizations.